In case you’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re most likely getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of resorts and areas to select from! The place’s the very best place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or elsewhere? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s finest for you.
Whenever you take a look at Bali on the map, it seems small. First-timers simply assume it’s as small as Phuket, Santorini, or Singapore. However in actuality, Bali is a giant island. It solely seems small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is far, a lot bigger. The truth is, it’s eight instances larger than Singapore, 10 instances larger than Phuket, 64 instances larger than Santorini, greater than 500 instances bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra corresponding to your complete island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues once you’re selecting the world to remain. It’s important to perceive the island’s geography first.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you may also go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really helpful resorts and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve got a compilation for locations around the globe.
Understanding Bali’s Geography
That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.
Understanding its geography is much more necessary, contemplating that the important thing sights are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the very best space to remain relies on the locations you need to go to, particularly if you happen to solely have a couple of days.
Every has its execs and cons. So let’s speak about and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the way in which, that is in no specific order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Greatest for: Finances vacationers, backpackers, and celebration animals
Kuta is the most well-liked space amongst vacationers, particularly first-timers. It put Bali on the map of worldwide vacationers.
PROS
A part of the Badung Regency, its location may be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seaside!
You’ll discover nearly the whole lot you would probably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, outlets, tour companies, and even bike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most companies are based mostly within the space. And naturally, Kuta is known — or possibly notorious, relying on how you’re feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.
Kuta additionally has the largest cluster of lodging in Bali. Positive, there are a couple of upscale resorts round, however it’s actually finest identified for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
In case you’re after the seaside vibe with quick access to the whole lot, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling popularity. And among the criticisms are usually not unfounded. Some seasoned vacationers advise in opposition to staying right here. They are saying it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overdeveloped. It’s true that Kuta is extremely busy and touristy.
Visitors jams are fairly frequent, particularly throughout rush hours, and you need to be alert, as a lot of Bali’s instances of scams, pickpockets, and cellphone or bag snatching occur right here.
Maintain up, let’s be clear. Bali is mostly secure. Crime price is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However you need to safe your valuables when strolling round Kuta and close by areas and be vigilant.
You possibly can escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta by selecting a much bigger, well-appointed resort.
The place We Stayed
Just lately, our crew was in a position to keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range resort conveniently situated just some minutes from Kuta Seashore and the principle purchasing and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant steadiness between accessibility and luxury, making it an awesome base for vacationers who need to be near the motion however nonetheless take pleasure in a peaceable retreat after a protracted time out.
The property options a big swimming pool, a children’ pool, a fitness center, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place visitors can unwind. The rooms are vibrant and spacious, most with non-public balconies overlooking the pool or backyard. Every room additionally has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The workers was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not essentially the most luxurious choice in Bali, however it delivers stable worth for cash. You possibly can guide a deluxe room for 2 for as little as IDR 560,000 (PHP 2,000) per evening on Agoda together with taxes.
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And it may possibly go even decrease if you happen to use our promo code AGODATPT, which will provide you with 10% OFF. That’s a whole lot of financial savings, particularly if you happen to’re reserving costly resorts or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s a giant low cost.
✅ To redeem this code, obtain and open the Agoda app, and on the COUPONS tab, enter AGODATPT (all caps). Then select a property and room sort, and upon checkout, enter AGODATPT once more to avail of the particular price.
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High Motels in Kuta
Listed below are among the finest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
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2. SEMINYAK
Greatest for: Households and anybody who loves Kuta’s enjoyable, beachy vibe — minus the chaos and crowds
Identical to Kuta, Seminyak is a paradise for surfers. It shares the identical shoreline and the identical spectacular sunsets, solely with extra space to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with trendy villas, luxurious resorts, and chic spa retreats. You’ll additionally discover fine-dining eating places, designer boutiques, and stylish bars. However that’s to not say there are not any reasonably priced choices. It has a wide variety of hostels and funds resorts, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it an awesome spot in order for you consolation with out sacrificing comfort.
In case you’re a member of the LGBT+ neighborhood, think about Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an energetic LGBT+ scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Street in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag reveals, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seaside bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from nearly each drawback that you would be able to say about Kuta. It’s additionally crowded and bustling with visitors jams and all, however not as hectic. Personally, between the 2, we want Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
We stayed at Grandmas Plus Resort Seminyak, a giant resort providing funds rooms! We paid IDR 2,070,000 (USD 124, PHP 7328) for 3 nights.
That’s solely IDR 690,000 (USD 41.40, PHP 2443) per evening. It’s at a superb location, only a quick stroll from the seaside, eating places, and bars. It’s good for vacationers who need to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however trendy, geared up with necessities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cozy beds. There’s additionally a small swimming pool, an in-house spa, and a restaurant, all nice for stress-free after a day of exploring.
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High Motels in Seminyak
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3. UBUD
Greatest for: Vacationers looking for some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is commonly thought-about the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s good if you happen to’re after tradition, rest, and a greener aspect of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s perfect for vacationers who desire a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seaside crowds. You’ll discover artwork galleries, yoga retreats, wellness facilities, and native craft markets that offer you a deeper look into Balinese tradition.
Many boutique resorts and villas are set amid tranquil rice paddies or alongside river valleys, providing peaceable views and a powerful sense of connection to nature. Even these throughout the city middle, most properties nonetheless really feel extra secluded and have a extra non-public vibe. Most of the resorts or villas that get featured by influencers — these with a pool floating lunch tray — they’re most likely right here in Ubud.
It is usually well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a superb base. By staying right here, you received’t should take care of the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar visitors jams for essentially the most half.
You’ll discover a whole lot of excursions on Klook that begin or decide up right here in Ubud, so going round shouldn’t be a difficulty.
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CONS
Talking of visitors, Ubud isn’t with out its downsides. The city middle may get congested with automobiles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as unhealthy as Kuta or Seminyak.
In case you’re touring to Bali for the seaside, effectively, it’s fairly removed from the coast — round an hour and a half to 2 hours away, relying on visitors.
Costs for lodging and meals have gone up over time, reflecting its rising recognition. And though it’s typically calm, nightlife right here is restricted in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we had been in a position to attempt Ari Cottages. It’s an enthralling 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply outdoors downtown, so it’s very quiet. However it’s solely a brief stroll from in style eating places, cafés, and outlets. The most effective half — proper throughout the street is a grocery store!
Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming swimming pools. The one we received comes with each day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we had been at all times outdoors exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally supplied.
The workers had been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a implausible alternative in order for you a trendy, mid-budget stick with a little bit of character in Ubud.
We paid IDR 3,926,000 (USD 235, PHP 13,884) for 3 nights. That’s IDR 1,308,600 (USD 78.35, PHP 4,628) per evening. Not unhealthy contemplating it was peak season after we visited, and actually, it was one of many few remaining fairly priced non-public rooms we discovered on the time.
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High Motels in Ubud
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4. CANGGU
Canggu is one other village additional north alongside the identical seaside as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good number of resorts and hostels, but in addition flats for weekly or month-to-month lease and co-working areas.
Due to its environment and affordability, it’s turn out to be a favourite amongst digital nomads and people who are staying in Bali longer than typical.
High Motels in Canggu
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5. DENPASAR
Denpasar is Bali’s capital. It can provide you a style of Balinese metropolis life away from the vacationers. It has its share of worthy sights, from native markets to necessary temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but in addition different Indonesian cuisines.
Be aware, nevertheless, that whereas its Sanur district has an excellent seaside, town middle is way from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being known as Denpasar Airport, it’s truly in Badung, outdoors Denpasar. In actuality, Denpasar’s metropolis correct is far, a lot farther from the airport than Kuta or Seminyak.
High Motels in Denpasar
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6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is the polished, family-friendly face of Bali. It’s dwelling to most of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch amenities. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply needs to calm down with out chaos. The seashores are extensive and delicate, good for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip aspect, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with a lot of the motion taking place inside resort grounds.
High Motels in Nusa Dua
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7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It provides among the island’s finest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from funds to luxurious.
The world, nevertheless, is sort of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer industrial institutions. It’s not perfect for individuals who need walkable neighborhoods. However it’s a haven for surfers or simply those that need to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
High Motels in Uluwatu
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What’s the Greatest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the finest space to remain in Bali? That relies on what sort of traveler you’re and your itinerary.
- In case you’re a backpacker or funds traveler who likes to celebration and need to be within the middle of the motion, Kuta could be a sensible choice. It’s vigorous, loud, and loaded with reasonably priced resorts and hostels. Excellent if you happen to love nightlife, straightforward seaside entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot if you happen to crave peace and quiet.
- In case you’re a gaggle of mates in search of stylish spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and elegance. You’re near nice eating places, purchasing, and seaside golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- In case you’re an explorer and also you need to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it an excellent base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- In case you’re a digital nomad who likes a social, inventive scene, select Canggu. Count on trendy villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and perfect if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- In case you’re a pair on a romantic getaway, guide a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your alternative of lodging will likely be essential right here, so at all times examine critiques.
- In case you’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and rest, think about Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and secure, with huge resorts providing the whole lot you want inside strolling distance. Nice for individuals who desire a stress-free seaside vacation.
- In case you’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your finest guess. Palms down.
- In case you’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua you probably have the funds and also you need to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an effective alternative too.
- In case you’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have an excellent meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the very best for restaurant and café hopping and market crawls.
Personally, if I might return to Bali now and I’ve six nights, I might keep in Ubud for the primary three nights and in Seminyak for the final three. In any other case, select only one. Which one? In case you requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d decide Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part under.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Images by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz
